carnitine

noun

car·​ni·​tine ˈkär-nə-ˌtēn 

: a quaternary ammonium compound C₇H₁₅NO₃ that is present especially in vertebrate muscle, that in the levorotatory form is involved in the transfer of fatty acids across mitochondrial membranes, and in humans is obtained from food (such as meat or milk) or is synthesized chiefly in the liver and kidneys from a lysine derivative

Examples of carnitine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Common side effects reported with carnitine include stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and a fish-like odor.5 3. —Mary Choy, Health, 21 Oct. 2024

Numerous studies have evaluated the use of carnitine in children with ADHD. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 11 Sep. 2024

Some of the most important ingredients to look for are caffeine, green tea extract, and carnitine. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 15 Dec. 2022

Green tea extract can cause nausea and vomiting, and carnitine can cause heartburn and diarrhea. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 15 Dec. 2022

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Latin carn-, caro

First Known Use

circa 1922, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

carnitine

noun

car·​ni·​tine ˈkär-nə-ˌtēn 

: a quaternary ammonium compound C₇H₁₅NO₃ that is present especially in vertebrate muscle, is involved in the transfer of fatty acids across mitochondrial membranes, and in humans is obtained from food (as meat or milk) or is synthesized from a lysine derivative